Judge Orders Trump to Appear for Deposition in BBC Defamation Case

A federal judge has ordered former President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC. U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett issued the order after the BBC's lawyers complained that Trump had delayed his appearance in the case.

Charles Tobin, an attorney for the BBC, told the court that the discovery period for the lawsuit was nearing its end, and his team had not yet been able to depose the plaintiff. An initial deposition was scheduled for October 16 but was canceled by Trump, who cited "a matter of national importance." However, Tobin stated that Trump was instead campaigning in Georgia at the time and "prioritized that over sitting for the deposition."

Judge Lett warned that Trump must comply with the deposition order by December 11 or face potential sanctions, which could include the dismissal of his lawsuit, unless the discovery period is extended beyond December 18.

The defamation suit stems from a BBC Panorama documentary. Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages over the program, which he alleges spliced together parts of his January 6, 2021, speech to create the false impression that he had urged supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. The BBC has apologized for the editing but denies defaming the former president.